The World XI’s tour of militancy-racked Pakistan is considered more than just a game of cricket, with captain Faf du Plessis and coach Andy Flower hoping to play their parts in reviving international cricket in the country.
South Africa’s du Plessis told reporters in Lahore that it was a “huge honour” to be playing the high-profile event in cricket-mad Pakistan after a militant attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in 2009.
Gadaffi Stadium is all set to witness this epic encounter under tight security. Over 9,000 police & paramilitary staff is on duty at both hotel & stadium.
Pakistan welcomed this series with both hands & made it a trending topic on Twitter :
Big day for cricket lovers in Pakistan. Hope the situation allows more teams to play there. Home cricket always has a different buzz.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) September 12, 2017
Heading to the heart of the nation for what we anticipate to be an epic rebirth of our country's beloved sport- Cricket! #CricketComesHome
— Wasim Akram (@wasimakramlive) September 11, 2017
Doston, I want to see this spirit at the #T20I – lets show the world how we celebrate cricket.. Pakistani style! pic.twitter.com/uHgnmUsgNS
— Shoaib Malik (@realshoaibmalik) September 10, 2017
World XI and Pakistan team practice session at Gaddafi Stadium Lahore#PAKvWXI #CricketKiHalalala pic.twitter.com/NBR92DdE2V
— PCB Official (@TheRealPCB) September 11, 2017
Am really excited to see again intl cricket after very long period of time in our beloved country.
Show the world that v r gr8 host.— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) September 12, 2017
Imran Tahir "I was probably the first one to be asked to play for the World XI in Pakistan and I said I'd love to go" #PAKvWXI #Cricket
— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) September 11, 2017
Rickshaws that the World XI players will ride around in at the GSL #PAKvWXI #Cricket pic.twitter.com/DByrcf3o5e
— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) September 12, 2017
Thumbs up 👍👍#cricketkihalalala
More than just a game pic.twitter.com/gaFFzs1S43— Daren Sammy (@darensammy88) September 10, 2017
